When I am lifted up from the earth,
I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.
— Communion Antiphon for Mass today, from John 12:32
As we head into the closing days of Lent, Jesus in today’s Gospel speaks of his “going away” and being “lifted up” — and, drawing close to Holy Week, we begin to face the reality that Christ will be lifted up first on the Cross, and only through the Cross in Resurrection and Ascension.
How does it feel to gaze on the Cross, on the Lord who is lifted up for my sins? What am I moved to say to the one who, for love of me, has been lifted up?